The Warriors appear to be taking extreme caution when it comes to getting Klay Thompson back on the floor.
During a recent conversation with NBC Sports, coach Steve Kerr says that he's preparing for a season without the elite two-way player. "It's unlikely that he's going to play this year," Kerr explained. "So we have to understand that."
Thompson is still rehabbing the torn ACL that he suffered during Game 6 of the NBA Finals. Although it was reported that he would return around the All-Star break following his surgery in July, Kerr wants fans and the organization to take a more realistic approach when evaluating Klay's recovery. "We've kind of left the door open in case the rehab goes perfectly and the doctors say he can go," he said. "But the reality is, on April 1, that’s the nine-month mark. ... April versus nine months post-op for an ACL."
"You have to look at it realistically," Kerr continued. "I had an ACL [tear] in college, and I missed a whole season. Generally, an ACL for a basketball player is a full-year recovery, and if it's a full year for Klay, that puts them out for the season."
The Warriors are set to open their season on Thursday against the Western Conference's newest powerhouse, the Los Angeles Clippers. As they head into this season, the brunt of offensive responsibility will be on Steph Curry. Kerr is also hoping that some of the Warriors' young players will step up to collectively fill the void left by Klay and Kevin Durant. As for Thompson, Kerr says his only issue is trying to find ways to spend his free time. "He's bored," Kerr said when asked about Klay. "But I feel bad for him. You never feel part of it unless you're actually playing and with the guys, and he misses that."
